A recent survey conducted by Ernst & Young indicates a significant interest in digital assets among both institutional and retail investors. The survey revealed that 94% of institutional investors and 83% of retail investors are long-term believers in digital assets, with many planning to increase their allocation to digital asset-related products.
Over the past year, the digital asset landscape has evolved with the approval of registered assets like exchange-traded products (ETPs), the development and passage of related legislation, increased investment allocations, and a growing interest in tokenized assets worldwide.
Among retail investors, 72% view digital assets as a core part of their overall wealth strategy. These investors are keen to enhance their current wealth and estate planning, as well as tax and trust advisory services, to include cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
Traditional asset managers and wealth managers should take note of this emerging preference for registered vehicles within the digital asset community. The survey highlighted that 62% of institutional investors and 57% of retail investors prefer to gain exposure to digital assets through registered vehicles. Specifically, accredited retail investors show a stronger interest in these vehicles, nearly doubling the demand seen among non-accredited investors.
Furthermore, despite the survey being conducted before the approval of Ethereum ETPs, 47% of institutional investors and 69% of retail investors who currently invest or plan to invest in digital assets expressed their likelihood to invest in an Ethereum ETP if approved.